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The second album for Santana was “Abraxas.” The record was a perfect mixture of Rock with Latin influences. Rolling Stone lists “Abraxas” on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” The cover depicts the painting of “The Annunciation” my Mart Klatwein.  Featuring two of Santana’s biggest hits, “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” an original copy of the album on Columbia Records is worth up to $150.00 today as is the first Santana album. Both are shown here.

On April 21,1973 a song originally based on the story about a Union army prisoner coming home from Andersonville Prison during the Civil War is at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. It would go on to sell 6 million copies as it becomes the biggest hit of 1973. Its Tony Orlando & Dawn and “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole’ Oak Tree.” That 45 is worth no more than $10.00 but Tony Orlando’s first album “Bless You” can bless you with over $50.00 today.

Northern Soul records continue to be much sought after by record collectors throughout the world. In 1976, Brownstone Records released the 45, “World Full of People,” by Everyday People. A copy is worth up to $1,000.00. In 1967, Jesse Davis recorded “Gonna Hang On in There Girl,” for Era Records. A copy can get you $2,000.00 today.

Taking their name from the Buick Riviera, the Rivieras had one of the biggest hits of 1963 with “(They’re out there having fun in the warm) California Sun.” Released on Riviera Records, the 45 is worth up to $20.00 but the album, “Let’s Have a Party,” containing the hit, can get you $100.00 today.

Buck Owens had not only a tiger but also the Country charts by the tail in the 1960’s and 1970’s with hits like “Act Naturally” and “Waitin in Your Welfare Line.” In 1969, Buck Owens, along with Roy Clark, starred in a TV show that was a Country version of “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-in.” The show, “Hee Haw,” went on to be one of television’s greatest success stories. In 1961, La Brea Records released the debut album. “Buck Owens.” A copy can get you $200.00 today.

Billy Lee Riley was perched on the brink of stardom in 1957 with “(My Gal is) Red Hot” when Sam Phillips, the man who discovered Elvis, switched his promotional money and input away from Billy Lee in favor of “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis, leaving Billy Lee Riley lost among the lesser-known singers on the Sun label. Still, Billy Lee is much admired by rockers everywhere. His two best known 45’s, “Red Hot” and “Flyin Saucers Rock and Roll,” can each fetch $100.00 today.

“These Arms of Mine” was the first hit for the legendary Otis Redding who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. The single on Volt Records can now sell for $30.00. Redding was not only the soul singer’s soul singer, he was a family man who worked tirelessly to bring different races and cultures together. He was also a wise businessman, and unlike many of his contemporaries, he made sure he was paid all that was due him; not ripped off like so many others in the business. His debut album containing “These Arms of Mine” was “Pain in My Heart.” Released on ATCO Records in 1962, a copy is worth up to $200.00 today.

Not too much is known about Diane Ray except for the fact that her one big hit, “Please Don’t Talk to the Lifeguard,” is one of those songs that once you hear it, and it gets into your head, it stays there and you find yourself singing it to yourself for a long time. The 45, released on Mercury Records in 1963, is worth up to $50.00 with its picture sleeve. The album, “The Exciting Years,” containing her hit, can get you $100.00 today.

On April 14, 1968 producer Phil Spector marries Ronnie Bennett of the Ronettes. Her mother attends. Her sister Estelle and cousin Nedra (the other members of the Ronettes) are not invited.  Ronnie divorces Phil in 1972 citing several instances of alleged cruelty. Prior to the marriage, Philles Records releases the Ronettes’ 45, “Is This What I Get For Loving You.” Maybe it should have been recorded after the marriage. With picture sleeve it can sell for $150.00 today.

Among the giants of Jazz was Gerry Mulligan, most noted for his saxophone and as a composer and arranger. He joined forces with Miles Davis in the late 40’s as an arranger for many of the tracks on Davis’ “Birth of Cool.” Mulligan would go on to collaborate with other Jazz greats like Stan Kenton and Chet Baker. Among his own best received albums was “Mainstream of Jazz.” Released on Emacy Records in 1955, a copy is worth up to $150.00 today.